Monstera plants are tropical beauties that bring a jungle vibe to any space. I love their big, split leaves and how they climb if you let them.
But here’s the thing, knowing how big they can get helps you care for them right and pick the perfect spot in your home.
Some Monsteras stay small, while others can take over a room! Different types, like Monstera Deliciosa or Monstera Adansonii, grow to different sizes, and I’ll cover them all here.
If you’re new to plants or a pro, this guide will show you what to expect and how to help your Monstera thrive.
What Affects Monstera Growth Size?
Monstera growth depends on several key factors:
- Pruning & Training: Cutting back or guiding the vines helps shape their growth and encourages larger leaves.
- Light: Bright, indirect light encourages faster growth, while low light slows it down.
- Watering: Too much or too little water can stunt growth—keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
- Temperature & Humidity: Monsteras thrive in warm (65-85°F) and humid conditions (around 60% humidity).
- Pot Size: A cramped pot restricts root growth, leading to smaller plants.
- Fertilizing: Regular feeding boosts growth and overall health.
For example, I once forgot to repot my Monstera for two years—it barely grew until I gave it more space. Simple fixes like that can make a huge difference.
Monstera Varieties and Their Growth
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors. That’s huge! It’s a fast grower with vine-like stems and big, split leaves that can stretch 3 feet wide in perfect conditions. It loves bright, indirect light and high humidity—think tropical vibes.
The Missouri Botanical Garden says this variety thrives best with consistent moisture and support, like a moss pole. Give it that, and it’ll climb like crazy.
Monstera Adansonii (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Monstera Adansonii tops out at 3-4 feet indoors. It’s smaller but still vine-like, with cute leaves full of holes—hence the “Swiss Cheese” nickname.
It grows well in moderate light and loves high humidity. I’ve seen mine perk up when I mist it regularly. It’s perfect if you want a Monstera that won’t take over your space.
Monstera Borsigiana
Monstera Borsigiana reaches 6-8 feet indoors. It grows faster than Deliciosa and stays more compact, making it a favorite for plant lovers. It needs bright, indirect light to hit that size.
The difference? Its leaves are a bit smaller and less split-heavy than Deliciosa’s. Keep it happy with steady care, and it’ll reward you.
Monstera Obliqua
Monstera Obliqua stays under 3 feet tall. It’s a slow grower with super delicate, hole-filled leaves—almost like lace! It needs very high humidity and bright, indirect light to do well. This one’s rare and tricky, but if you nail the conditions, it’s a stunner.
Monstera Standleyana
Monstera Standleyana grows to about 6 feet tall. Its vine-like stems have long, narrow leaves with fewer splits than others. It likes bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. I’ve found it’s less fussy than some Monsteras, which is nice if you’re busy.
Monstera Dubia
Monstera Dubia stretches 3-4 feet long. It creeps like a vine, and its leaves change as it grows—starting heart-shaped and solid, then getting splits later. It does best with indirect light and humidity. Think of it as a shape-shifter among Monsteras!
Monstera Varieties Growth at a Glance:
| Monstera Variety | Max Height Indoors |
| Monstera Deliciosa | Up to 10 feet |
| Monstera Adansonii | 3-4 feet |
| Monstera Borsigiana | 6-8 feet |
| Monstera Obliqua | Under 3 feet |
| Monstera Standleyana | Around 6 feet |
| Monstera Dubia | 3-4 feet (crawls) |
Monstera Growth Stages
Seedling Stage
Monstera seedlings start tiny—under a foot tall. They grow slowly at first, focusing on roots and a few small leaves. Give them warm temps, moist soil, and gentle light to kick things off right. Patience is key here; they’re just getting started.
Juvenile Stage
After 1-2 years, juvenile Monsteras hit 1-3 feet, depending on the type. Their leaves are solid and smaller—no splits yet. I remember my Deliciosa looking plain at this stage, but it was building strength. Keep up with light and water, and they’ll move to the next phase.
Mature Stage
Mature Monsteras reach their full size—anywhere from 3 to 10 feet indoors. This is when those iconic leaf splits show up! It can take 3-5 years to get here. Use a moss pole, prune smartly, and give them bright light to speed things up. That’s when they really shine.
How to Maximize Monstera Growth
Providing Optimal Light
Bright, indirect light is the best for Monsteras. It helps them grow big and strong without burning the leaves. Too much direct sun turns them yellow, while too little makes them leggy—long stems with tiny leaves.
Place them near a north or east window for the perfect balance. Adjust if you see those warning signs.
Proper Watering Techniques
Water Monsteras every 1-2 weeks when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering makes roots rot, and underwatering stunts growth—both are bad news.
I use a moisture meter to check mine. Adjust based on your home’s humidity and season—less in winter, more in summer.
Fertilizing for Bigger Growth
Fertilize Monsteras with a liquid houseplant mix every month in spring and summer. Granular works too, but liquid’s easier to control. Look for yellow leaves or slow growth—that’s a sign they need nutrients. Don’t overdo it, though; too much burns the roots.
Pruning and Training Your Monstera
Pruning keeps Monsteras bushy and manageable. Snip off dead leaves or leggy stems with clean scissors. Training them on a trellis or moss pole helps them grow tall and strong—plus, it looks cool. I trained mine to climb, and the leaves got huge!
Pot Size and Repotting
A bigger pot means more room for Monstera roots to spread. Repot every 1-2 years when roots peek out the drainage holes. Use fresh, well-draining soil and a pot 2 inches wider than the old one. It’s like giving them a new home to grow into.
Common Growth Problems and Solutions
Monstera Not Growing
If your Monstera isn’t growing, it’s usually due to a lack of light, poor soil, or bad watering habits. Indoor Monsteras need bright, indirect light to thrive—too little, and they stall out.
Check the soil moisture with your finger; if it’s soggy or bone-dry, adjust your routine. Move it closer to a window, repot if needed, and watch it bounce back.
I once had a Monstera that sat in a dark corner for months—no growth at all. A quick move to a brighter spot fixed it in weeks.
Monstera Leaves Turning Yellow or Brown
Yellow or brown leaves mean trouble. Overwatering, pests, or low nutrients are common culprits. Overwatering drowns the roots, turning leaves yellow and mushy, while pests like spider mites brown the edges.
Check for tiny bugs or webbing under leaves. The fix? Let the soil dry out between waterings, treat pests with neem oil, and feed with a balanced fertilizer if leaves look pale.
Monstera Growth Slowdown
Monstera naturally slow down in fall and winter. Less light and cooler temps do that. It’s normal, so don’t panic if growth pauses. To help, keep them in bright, indirect light and maintain humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier. Spring will perk them up again with the right care.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Monstera Growth
Monstera Growth Indoors
Indoors, Monsteras usually grow smaller—3 to 10 feet, depending on the variety. Space, light, and pot size limit them compared to the wild. I keep mine near a sunny window with a humidifier nearby—it mimics their tropical home. Aim for 60% humidity and 65-80°F to keep them happy indoors.
Monstera Growth Outdoors
Outdoors, Monsteras can grow up to 30 feet in the right climate! Tropical or subtropical areas—like USDA zones 10-11—are perfect. They need partial shade and something to climb, like a tree or pole. If you’ve got the weather for it, they’ll turn into giants!
Supporting Monstera Growth with a Trellis or Moss Pole
Benefits of Using Support for Growth
A trellis or moss pole helps Monsteras grow tall and strong. It mimics their natural habit of climbing trees, preventing leggy, floppy stems. Plus, it encourages bigger leaves—sometimes double the size! I’ve seen my Deliciosa’s leaves explode after adding support.
How to Install and Use a Moss Pole or Trellis
Setting up a moss pole is easy. Buy one or make it with a stick and sphagnum moss—wet the moss first. Push it into the pot, then tie the Monstera’s stems to it with soft plant ties. For a trellis, secure it in the soil and guide the vines up. Keep the moss damp, and your plant will climb happily.
How to Achieve Maximum Monstera Size
Ideal Conditions for Full Growth
To max out your Monstera’s size, give it bright, indirect light, warm temps (65-85°F), and 60-80% humidity. Feed it monthly with a liquid fertilizer in spring and summer, and use a big pot with drainage. Consistency is key—nail these, and you’ll see serious growth.
How to Encourage Large Leaves
Big leaves come from high humidity and good nutrients. Mist your Monstera or use a humidifier—dry air shrinks leaves. Prune off small or weak growth to push energy into the main stems. My Adansonii’s leaves doubled in size once I upped the humidity!
Common Questions About Monstera Size
How Tall Will My Monstera Get Indoors?
Indoors, Monsteras usually grow smaller—3 to 10 feet, depending on the variety. Space, light, and pot size limit them compared to the wild.
How Quickly Does a Monstera Deliciosa Grow?
Monstera Deliciosa grows 1-2 feet per year. Spring and summer are fastest—give it light and water then!
Can I Keep My Monstera Small?
Yes, keep your Monstera small with a small pot and pruning. Limit roots and trim yearly—it works!
How Large Do the Leaves Get?
Monstera leaves can reach 3 feet long and 2 feet wide. Age and humidity make them bigger—mist them for a boost.
Does Pot Size Affect Monstera Growth?
Pot size affects Monstera growth—small pots (under 10 inches) limit roots and keep them under 6 feet. Go bigger for more size.
How Do I Know If My Monstera Is Happy?
Look for big, split leaves and steady growth—it’s thriving! Yellow leaves mean too much water or sun.
Quick Recap
Monsteras come in all sizes, from the tiny Obliqua to the towering Deliciosa. Each variety has its own growth potential—3 feet to 30 feet, depending on care and space.
With the right light, water, and support, you can help yours reach its max. Try tweaking one thing at a time, like adding a moss pole or boosting humidity, and watch how it responds.
Growing a Monstera is a fun journey—enjoy watching it unfold!
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